NKT RTE High-Voltage Cable Deal Supports Franceโs Grid Renewal
On May 7, 2021,ย NKTย announced a new longโterm frame agreement with French transmission system operatorย Rรฉseau de Transport dโElectricitรฉ (RTE). Theย NKT RTE high-voltage cable dealย extends a decadeโlong partnership and reinforces NKTโs role in modernizing Franceโs power transmission network.
Long-Term Frame Agreement Builds on 10 Years of Partnership
The new agreement builds on more than ten years of successful collaboration between NKT and RTE. Both companies describe the contract as proof of NKTโs strong presence in France and evidence of a mutually rewarding business relationship.
Under the frame agreement, NKT will supplyย 25 kV highโvoltage AC XLPE underground power cable systems. The package also includes installation of key accessories such asย joints and terminations, ensuring complete system delivery from one provider. The contract runs fromย 2021 through 2023, with anย option for an additional year.
Supporting RTEโs Energy Transition and Grid Modernization
Through this deal, NKT supports RTEโs plan toย renew and modernize the French transmission grid. A more efficient, resilient grid will help France integrate more renewable energy sources and advance its broaderย energy transitionย goals.
NKT President and CEOย Alexander Karaย emphasized the companyโs commitment to sustainability. NKT was the first major power cable manufacturer to commit to theย Science Based Targets initiativeย and to aย netโzero emissionsย pathway. Kara noted that this aligns closely with RTEโs ambition to make โthe Greener Choiceโ in its infrastructure investments.
Retrofitting Project in Marseille and Green Manufacturing
In addition to the new frame agreement, NKT already supports RTE on aย 225 kV highโvoltage retrofitting project in Marseille. In that project, NKT replaces older cables installed in steel pipes with modernย armored extruded XLPE cables, which improve performance and reliability.
NKT will manufacture the power cables for both the Marseille retrofit and the new frame agreement at itsย factory in Cologne, Germany. This facility operates onย 100% green electricity, which further reduces the carbon footprint of the cable systems supplied to RTE.
